News

CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND – A new partnership between the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) and the Railroaders Memorial Museum (RMM) in Altoona, Pennsylvania will raise funds for the restoration of famed steam locomotive no. 1361. On the evening of October 14th, a special first-class train will operate between Cumberland and Frostburg, Maryland, and feature two nighttime…

Today, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) unanimously voted to permanently appoint Wesley Heinz to the position of Executive Director. Heinz comes to WMSR with an extensive background in historic preservation, events, fundraising, and marketing. At his previous position at Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. & Museum in Portland, Maine, he was responsible for increased daily performance, improved cost-saving measures, and overall strategic planning. He also has experience providing presentations to state and local officials through fundraising capital campaigns. Before his appointment as Interim Executive Director, Heinz cultivated professional relationships to assist the WMSR with its equipment and right-of-way challenges and he has been instrumental in providing expertise for the restoration of WMSR steam locomotive no. 1309. In addition to his extensive business background, Mr. Heinz is also extremely knowledgeable about steam locomotives and has served on the operating and…

CUMBERLAND, MD (August 3rd) – For the first time since 2019, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is operating sold-out passenger train rides through Mountain Maryland. The railroad’s popular Ice Cream Trains have welcomed over 1,000 passengers over two weekends to downtown Cumberland station. The Ice Cream train will expand to include departures from Frostburg on…

As of June 9, 2021, the Board of Directors of the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) unanimously voted to appoint Wesley Heinz to the position of interim executive director while Mr. John Garner, current director, was granted a 60-day sabbatical to address health and family concerns. Mr. Heinz comes to WMSR with extensive experience and…

In March of 2020, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad shuttered operations as the world was shaken by the far-reaching global impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are now thrilled to announce that, at long last, we are re-opening our doors to the public once more! As we progress through the 2021 season we will be…

One of the most vital aspects of any organization is community involvement and partnership. Since its inception, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad has been operating between Cumberland and Frostburg over trackage owned by Allegany County. The railroad has been responsible for maintaining this trackage, with a yearly allocation of funding. Despite this, many of the…

Due to COVID-19 we were forced to shutter operations and lay off much of our staff in March of 2020, resulting in a major loss of operating revenue. With limited paid staff and a small group of dedicated volunteers, we are making steady progress daily to reopen and completely reinvent the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad….

Dear Volunteers, Members, & Supporters: The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) continues to fulfill our mission to preserve and operate historic railroad equipment through safe, unique, and educational experiences. In 2019, 35,000 passengers climbed aboard our rolling time machine, whether for a regularly scheduled excursion or one of our signature events. In 2020 we were ‘on-track’ to surpass 35,000 visitors, complete the Western Maryland steam locomotive no. 1309, continue track improvement plans, conduct multiple car enhancements and other visual improvements that are key to maintaining great relationships within our community. COVID-19 changed our dreams, but it hasn’t stopped our progress. During this Autumn Appeal fundraising event, we are seeking to match, and surpass, a $30,000 donor challenge. With this donor challenge, Western Maryland Scenic will complete the final restoration of the no. and pursue needed capital improvements. The completion of…

From Trains Magazine: CUMBERLAND, Md. — The Emery Rail Heritage Trust and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad are pleased to announce the trust has issued a special mid-year grant of $50,000 to help complete 2-6-6-2 No. 1309 as part of the “Steam the Last Baldwin” fundraising campaign.The grant will go toward $150,000 needed to complete No. 1309, the last Baldwin built for domestic service in 1949. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad is working to finish the $3.2 million restoration without interruption this year. Contractor Diversified Rail Services recently worked with Hulcher to re-wheel the locomotive and steam-test it. Work is underway to complete the running gear, back head piping, stoker, and hundreds of other final details necessary to complete restoration. Once in operation, the locomotive will be the world’s largest operating Mallet, a locomotive that uses its steam twice, and the…